The Not So Common Salt – Himalayan Salt

Salt is one of the first ingredients we learn to use when we are little. My little nieces made their way to the kitchen this way by learning to sprinkle salt on foods. We have been informed that table salt is iodized and is probably the best salt available out there. Here I am going to differ with the opinion and introduce you to Himalayan Pink Salt. In India, it is mostly used to prepare light meals that are consumed during fasting.

Pink salt is called 'sendha namak' in India and comes in powdered as well as crystal form. It comes from a salt mountain in Pakistan and is mostly of very light pink color. There are few other sources of Pink Salt on earth but the one s Pakistan is the biggest one. This mountain is actually made up of ancient sea deposits.

Himalyan salt can be used as a replacement for common salt and also has many other uses that promote good health. Compared to sea salt or common table salt as we call it, pink salt has higher mineral content (It contains total of 84 minerals) and is lot more pure. It has the properties that relax the body and also remove toxins. It stimulates blood circulation but lowers blood pressure. Because of this, patients suffering from high blood pressure are advised to switch to Himalayan salt. It is used in spas for aromatherapy, in bath salts, body scrubs etc to relax and heal the body holistically.

Other benefits of Himalayan salt consumption include better pH balance, better absorption of essential nutrients from food and is used as a remedy for skin rashes, fever, flu, psoriasis, herpes and arthritis. Even today, the salt crystals are hand-mined, hand-crushed and sun dried before shipping. Consumption of Himalayan salt brine aids in getting rid of toxins from the body and several other ailments. Taking steam with Himalayan salt also helps in respiratory problems, ear infections, sinus etc. For arthritis, dip a towel in warm Himalayan salt brine and place it on the affected areas.

I switched to Himalayan salt completely about two years ago. And I must say that apart of all the benefits stated above, it is amazingly tasty!

Have you ever used Pink salt? Do share your experience and knowledge with us here.

Akanksha (uh-k-ah-nk -sh-ah) is a young lady who takes every day as the first day of the rest of her life. Her journey towards vegan-ism began 7 years ago when she came across the concept of mindful eating. She has studied Nutrition and Ayurveda and still continues to learn. She blogs here with the purpose of sharing her knowledge, learning from co-bloggers and making great friends.

I have used pink salt before in fine-dining restaurants when I was young. My parents always made a point of celebrating our birthdays - no matter what the cost, even if we were poor - with an expensive meal. But that was a long time ago and I don't remember. I'm sure it's much healthier than refined salt - that's actually not hard to do! Table salt is so bad for us!
I voted.

I find the taste is much better for vegan food. Table salt overpowers plant-based meals. This one is great, although expensive. I opt for sea salt more often just because I can't afford this one - and anyways, I have yet to find it in Colombia.
Voted! Have you stopped by my new piece about vegans across the world and through time? You may like it!

Thanks Annie! yeah it is many times costlier than common salt here in India too...thankfully it is still not too expensive.
I already voted for you dear and you replied to my comment too!
The post has made it to top now...

I just started using this too, as always we seem to be on the same page. I love it!
Maybe I will post a pic of in on "Our New Health Plan" album. (and share some of this blog info with it)
Thanks for sharing! Voted & Sharing!

It is surprising that I was just thinking of you :-)
I am sure it is, but you might have to search for it a little.
You must definitely start cutting on common salt now. It will keep blood pressure problems away.Btw, it is also called rock salt at some places.
I think we need Roopam here to tell us where to find it in the states..
Pink salt has a very nice flavor..I am sure you will love it. And you can't have too much of it..I mean, it is not addictive like common salt..hope you get to try it soon :-)

Salt, for me, is something I tend to avoid. While it is healthier; salt is still salt. But adding salt to foods is definitely not something to focus on as most of it is found in processed foods. Great post! Vote #11 =)

Voted, although it had already reached Top Posts! That usually happens, your posts are on the TPs page before I have a chance to vote for them! Great blog - I never imagined that a salt could have so many health benefits! I have only heard of this type of salt since signing up to this blog. I have never seen it here in Britain. Did you say it is also known as rock salt? If so then maybe we do have it here. I am thinking of changing my type of salt - I already use the low-sodium variety, as I am a bit too fond of salt on my food! However even that contains additives and impurities, as you point out. I think most of us can't live without salt though, as it makes food so tasty! Hence that biblical saying "the salt of the earth."

This is such great information! Pink salt is so healthy. Makes me think, even with so much knowledge available, we still consume more of the commercially popular ingredients.
Thanx for sharing this, I will also increase my consumption of Himalayan pink salt. It is available here in the states in the Indian stores or at Whole Foods. At Indian stores you can ask for sendha namak. At other stores ask for Himalayan pink salt. It should be pretty easily available in other large grocery stores too.
Late on voting...but still did:)

Himalayan pink salt is our favorite! It's amazing what difference there is to a dish when this is added!
We stopped buying typical table salt a number of years ago and now only use sea salt. When we discovered Himalayan pink salt we were pleasantly surprised. Another new type of salt we like is Hawaiian black lava salt--have you heard of it?
Check out my new article: Blessings of the Compost and vote if you like it!